Liberals review and ‘pause’ on salmon expansion is too late and not enough

The proposed review and 'pause' on salmon industry expansion by the Liberals is too late and not enough. The letter released today from Jeremy Rockliff to Independent crossbenchers Peter George and Craig Garland does nothing to allay concerns about the capture of our government by foreign-owned corporations.

"The announcement by the Liberals that they will set up a review into the salmon industry, and 'pause' expansion of current operations, is a farce," said Lisa Litjens, NOFF President. "No change of any significance resulted from the comprehensive 2021 Legislative Council Finfish Inquiry, or the 2024 State of the Environment report".

"We know what needs to be done, we do not need yet another inquiry."

NOFF also questions the Liberals' term "spatial expansion":

• Does this mean the industry will still be able to expand stocking densities within existing leases and pens? If so, we can assume it will increase the risk of anti-microbial resistance, outbreaks of Rickettsia and other diseases, and more mass mortalities like we saw last February. 
• Does it include the so-called 'research trial' in Bass Strait, the onshore expansion of the hatchery and pen maintenance facilities at Whale Point, or the ensilage plant at Margate?

The review has as yet unspecified terms of reference, and will be conducted by an as yet unspecified external organisation. Proposed legislative changes lack detail, and all of this from a minority party in caretaker government whose future is yet to be decided by the newly-elected parliament.

"It is time for clear and concise action, not more empty promises delivering nothing but well-wrapped delays on real and permanent action," said Jess Coughlan, Neighbours of Fish Farming campaigner.

This announcement should be treated for what it is – an attempt to get crossbench support to keep the Liberals in power, with no guarantee of any effective and urgent change to this rampant polluting industry.

Contacts: 

• Lisa Litjens - 0400 461624
• Jess Coughlan - 0431 684741